Politics: Military Equipment Sales to Police

President Obama ordered a review of programs that provide police with military equipment in response to public criticism of armored vehicles, high-tech weaponry, and stun grenades in Missouri where police have been in conflict with protesters. Through the military’s Defense Logistics Agency, police departments were allowed access to military surplus equipment. Some police chiefs claim that officers need this heavy protection, especially since some protesters have thrown fire bombs. However, other officials have expressed concern that this is giving the police force too much power.